RV OWNER’S FIELD GUIDE · SEASONAL, TRAVEL & MICHIGAN-SPECIFIC
Spring De-Winterization Checklist
De-winterizing is winterizing in reverse, plus a full damage check — a rig that sat through a Michigan winter needs more than just the antifreeze flushed before that first trip.
Flushing the plumbing system
Run RV-safe antifreeze completely out of every fixture — each faucet (hot and cold), the shower, the toilet, and the outside shower if equipped — until water runs clear with no pink tint. Sanitize the fresh water tank and lines afterward using our tank sanitizing guide, since sitting antifreeze residue plus a tank that’s been dry for months is a combination worth a proper flush and sanitize, not a rinse.
Check the water heater bypass valve is switched back to normal operation before filling the tank — an easy step to forget after months away from the system.
Checking for winter damage
Inspect the roof and seals for cracking caused by freeze-thaw cycling — water that got into a small seal gap in fall can expand when it freezes and widen the gap significantly by spring. Check battery condition and state of charge, since a battery that wasn’t maintained through storage can be permanently damaged by a deep winter discharge.
Test propane appliances, run the furnace and water heater through a cycle, and check tire pressure and condition — see our tire aging guide if the rig sat on the same spot all winter.